Recognizing Medical Emergencies
Nobody wants to find themselves facing a medical emergency, but, unfortunately, it can happen. And when it does, it’s best to be prepared as your actions can save a person from a permanent disability or even death.
Figuring out if a medical condition requires a trip to your local Corpus Christi Emergency Room can be difficult. Patients often fear that they’ll just waste everybody’s time or bother the emergency care providers. Being informed and knowing which symptoms require specialized treatment and which ones can be treated at home can benefit both you and those around you.
Learn How to Recognize the Symptoms of a Medical Emergency
According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, people should act when they recognize any of the following warning signs:
- Uncontrolled bleeding;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Any sudden or severe pain;
- Fainting or dizziness;
- Choking;
- Trouble speaking;
- Coughing or vomiting blood;
- Head or spine injury;
- Severe or continuous vomiting or diarrhea;
- Confusion and unusual behavior;
- Ingesting poisonous substances;
- Chest pain;
- Severe abdominal pain or pressure;
- Suicidal or homicidal feelings
When to Call 911
To make sure your situation qualifies as a medical emergency, ask yourself a few questions before making the trip to the emergency room.
- Is the issue life-threatening?
- Can I treat the symptoms at home or do they require the skills and equipment of paramedics?
- Could moving the person cause further injury?
- Will distance and traffic conditions pose a problem in getting the person to the hospital?
If your answer is “yes” or you are unsure, don’t put off getting the affected person to your local Corpus Christi Emergency Room.
What to Remember When Dealing with a Medical Emergency
An emergency is stressful, and it’s easy to lose yourself in the heat of the moment and try to administer treatment yourself. But unless you’re CPR-certified or a medical practitioner, that may endanger the life of the person in need.
Stay calm and level-headed. Call for help, speak clearly and focus on answering the dispatcher’s questions as accurately as possible. If the condition allows it, place the person in the recovery position until the ambulance arrives.
We at Physicians Premier are always ready to provide you with personal care. Contact us whenever you come across a medical emergency you can’t handle yourself.
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